A new zinc chloride-based solder paste that works on hard-to-solder 316 stainless steel alloy has been developed. The paste consists of powdered solder alloy suspended in flux paste with binders. The solder paste can be heated rapidly by torch yet is stable enough to be heated for long periods of time in an oven. The bond strength of the soldered connection is very strong and, in some cases, exceeds the strength of the underlying steel.